Washing machine appliance ventilation

ABSTRACT

A washing machine appliance includes a cabinet with a wash tub positioned within the cabinet. The washing machine appliance also includes a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub. The wash basket is rotatable within the tub along a direction of rotation. The washing machine appliance further includes a vent extending through the wash tub from a vent inlet along a longitudinal axis and a cutoff defined at an intersection of the vent and the wash tub.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to laundry appliances, such as washing machine appliances, and in particular to features and methods for ventilating such appliances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Washing machine appliances generally include a tub for containing water or wash fluid, e.g., water and detergent, bleach, and/or other wash additives. A basket is rotatably mounted within the tub and defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. During normal operation of such washing machine appliances, the wash fluid is directed into the tub and onto articles within the wash chamber of the basket. The basket can rotate at various speeds to agitate articles within the wash chamber, to wring wash fluid from articles within the wash chamber, etc.

However, some moisture from the washing operation remains in the washing machine appliance after the washing operation, such as in the basket, tub, on an inner surface of the door or lid, and/or other components of the washing machine appliance. Some washing machine appliances provide passive drying systems, e.g., vents without any associated fan or other elements for motivating air flow through the tub, basket, and/or vent. Such passive drying systems may provide only limited or marginal improvements in ventilation, such as limited or marginal improvements in the rate of drying, versus similar non-vented washing machine appliances. Other washing machine appliances include active drying systems which have additional moving parts for ventilation, e.g., an air handler, fan, or other similar device. Such active drying systems may increase the bulk, complexity, and/or cost of the washing machine appliance.

Accordingly, washing machine appliances with improved ventilation are desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a washing machine appliance is provided. The washing machine appliance defines a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction that are mutually perpendicular to one another. The washing machine appliance includes a cabinet with a wash tub positioned within the cabinet. The washing machine appliance also includes a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub. The wash basket is rotatable within the tub along a direction of rotation. The washing machine appliance further includes a vent extending through the wash tub from a vent inlet along a longitudinal axis and a cutoff defined at an intersection of the vent and the wash tub.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a washing machine appliance is provided. The washing machine appliance includes a cabinet with a wash tub positioned within the cabinet. The washing machine appliance also includes a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub. The wash basket is rotatable within the tub along a direction of rotation. The washing machine appliance further includes a vent extending through the wash tub from a vent inlet along a longitudinal axis and a cutoff defined at an intersection of the vent and the wash tub.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a washing machine appliance according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 provides a cross-sectional side view of the washing machine appliance of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 provides an enlarged section view of ventilation features according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure which may be incorporated into a washing machine appliance such as the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 provides a schematic top view of a washing machine appliance according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 provides a section view of ventilation features according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure which may be incorporated into a washing machine appliance such as the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

In order to aid understanding of this disclosure, several terms are defined below. The defined terms are understood to have meanings commonly recognized by persons of ordinary skill in the arts relevant to the present invention. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). The terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one element from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual elements.

As used herein, terms of approximation, such as “generally,” or “about” include values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value, unless otherwise specified. When used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction, unless otherwise specified. For example, “generally vertical” includes directions within ten degrees of vertical in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counter-clockwise.

As used herein, the terms “articles,” “clothing,” or “laundry” include but need not be limited to fabrics, textiles, garments, linens, papers, or other items which may be cleaned and/or treated in a washing machine appliance. Furthermore, the term “load” or “laundry load” refers to the combination of clothing that may be washed together in a washing machine appliance or dried together in a dryer appliance (e.g., clothes dryer) and may include a mixture of different or similar articles of clothing of different or similar types and kinds of fabrics, textiles, garments and linens within a particular laundering process.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a horizontal axis washing machine appliance 100, sometimes also referred to as a front-load washing machine appliance. While described in the context of a specific embodiment of horizontal axis washing machine appliance 100, it will be understood that washing machine appliance 100 is provided by way of example only. Other washing machine appliances having different configurations, different appearances, and/or different features, such as different locations or configurations of the control panel 160, horizontal axis washing machines, etc., may also be utilized with the present subject matter as well.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary horizontal axis washing machine appliance 100, FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of washing machine appliance 100 according to one example embodiment. As illustrated, washing machine appliance 100 generally defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, each of which is mutually perpendicular, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is generally defined. Washing machine appliance 100 includes a cabinet 102 that extends between a top 104 and a bottom 106 along the vertical direction V, between a left side 108 and a right side 110 along the lateral direction L, and between a front 112 and a rear 114 along the transverse direction T.

As may be seen in FIG. 2 , a wash tub 124 is positioned within cabinet 102 and is generally configured for retaining wash fluids during an operating cycle. As used herein, “wash fluid” may refer to water, detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable wash additive or combination thereof. Wash tub 124 is substantially fixed relative to cabinet 102 such that it does not rotate or translate relative to cabinet 102.

A wash basket 120 is received within wash tub 124 and defines a wash chamber 126 that is configured for receipt of articles for washing. More specifically, wash basket 120 is rotatably mounted within wash tub 124 such that it is rotatable about an axis of rotation A. According to the illustrated embodiment, the axis of rotation is substantially parallel to the transverse direction T. In this regard, washing machine appliance 100 is generally referred to as a “horizontal axis” or “front load” washing machine appliance 100. However, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present subject matter may be used within the context of a vertical axis or top load washing machine appliance as well.

Wash basket 120 may define one or more agitator features that extend into wash chamber 126 to assist in agitation and cleaning of articles disposed within wash chamber 126 during operation of washing machine appliance 100. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2 , a plurality of ribs 128 extends from basket 120 into wash chamber 126. In this manner, for example, ribs 128 may lift articles disposed in wash basket 120 during rotation of wash basket 120.

Washing machine appliance 100 includes a motor assembly 122 that is in mechanical communication with wash basket 120 to selectively rotate wash basket 120 (e.g., during an agitation or a rinse cycle of washing machine appliance 100). According to the illustrated embodiment, motor assembly 122 is a pancake motor. However, it should be appreciated that any suitable type, size, or configuration of motor may be used to rotate wash basket 120 according to alternative embodiments.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2 , cabinet 102 also includes a front panel 130 that defines an opening 132 that permits user access to wash basket 120 of wash tub 124. More specifically, washing machine appliance 100 includes a door 134 that is positioned over opening 132 and is rotatably mounted to front panel 130 (e.g., about a door axis that is substantially parallel to the vertical direction V). In this manner, door 134 permits selective access to opening 132 by being movable between an open position (not shown) facilitating access to a wash tub 124 and a closed position (FIG. 1 ) prohibiting access to wash tub 124.

In some embodiments, a window 136 in door 134 permits viewing of wash basket 120 when door 134 is in the closed position (e.g., during operation of washing machine appliance 100). Door 134 also includes a handle (not shown) that, for example, a user may pull when opening and closing door 134. Further, although door 134 is illustrated as mounted to front panel 130, it should be appreciated that door 134 may be mounted to another side of cabinet 102 or any other suitable support according to alternative embodiments. Additionally, a front gasket 138 may extend between tub 124 and the front panel 130 about the opening 132 covered by door 134, further sealing tub 124 from cabinet 102.

As illustrated for example in FIG. 2 , wash basket 120 may also include a plurality of perforations 140 extending therethrough in order to facilitate fluid communication between an interior of basket 120 and wash tub 124. A sump 142 is defined by wash tub 124 at a bottom of wash tub 124 along the vertical direction V. Thus, sump 142 is configured for receipt of, and generally collects, wash fluid during operation of washing machine appliance 100. For example, during operation of washing machine appliance 100, wash fluid may be urged (e.g., by gravity) from basket 120 to sump 142 through the plurality of perforations 140. A pump assembly 144 is located beneath wash tub 124 for gravity assisted flow when draining wash tub 124 (e.g., via a drain 146). Pump assembly 144 is also configured for recirculating wash fluid within wash tub 124.

In some embodiments, washing machine appliance 100 includes an additive dispenser or spout 150. For example, spout 150 may be in fluid communication with a water supply (not shown) in order to direct fluid (e.g., clean water) into wash tub 124. Spout 150 may also be in fluid communication with the sump 142. For example, pump assembly 144 may direct wash fluid disposed in sump 142 to spout 150 in order to circulate wash fluid in wash tub 124.

As illustrated, a detergent drawer 152 may be slidably mounted within front panel 130. Detergent drawer 152 receives a wash additive (e.g., detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable liquid or powder) and directs the fluid additive to wash chamber 126 during operation of washing machine appliance 100. According to the illustrated embodiment, detergent drawer 152 may also be fluidly coupled to spout 150 to facilitate the complete and accurate dispensing of wash additive.

In optional embodiments, a bulk reservoir 154 is disposed within cabinet 102. Bulk reservoir 154 may be configured for receipt of fluid additive for use during operation of washing machine appliance 100. Moreover, bulk reservoir 154 may be sized such that a volume of fluid additive sufficient for a plurality or multitude of wash cycles of washing machine appliance 100 (e.g., five, ten, twenty, fifty, or any other suitable number of wash cycles) may fill bulk reservoir 154. Thus, for example, a user can fill bulk reservoir 154 with fluid additive and operate washing machine appliance 100 for a plurality of wash cycles without refilling bulk reservoir 154 with fluid additive. A reservoir pump 156 is configured for selective delivery of the fluid additive from bulk reservoir 154 to wash tub 124.

A control panel 160 including a plurality of input selectors 162 is coupled to front panel 130. Control panel 160 and input selectors 162 collectively form a user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features. For example, in one embodiment, a display 164 indicates selected features, a countdown timer, or other items of interest to machine users.

Operation of washing machine appliance 100 is controlled by a controller or processing device 166 that is operatively coupled to control panel 160 for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of control panel 160, controller 166 operates the various components of washing machine appliance 100 to execute selected machine cycles and features.

Controller 166 may include a memory (e.g., non-transitive memory) and microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a wash operation. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller 166 may be constructed without using a microprocessor (e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry, such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. Control panel 160 and other components of washing machine appliance 100, such as motor assembly 122, may be in communication with controller 166 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses. It should be noted that controllers as disclosed herein are capable of and may be operable to perform any methods and associated method steps as disclosed herein. For example, in some embodiments, methods disclosed herein may be embodied in programming instructions stored in the memory and executed by the controller.

In exemplary embodiments, during operation of washing machine appliance 100, laundry items are loaded into wash basket 120 through opening 132, and a wash operation is initiated through operator manipulation of input selectors 162. For example, a wash cycle may be initiated such that wash tub 124 is filled with water, detergent, or other fluid additives (e.g., via spout 150). One or more valves (not shown) can be controlled by washing machine appliance 100 to provide for filling wash basket 120 to the appropriate level for the amount of articles being washed or rinsed. By way of example, once wash basket 120 is properly filled with fluid, the contents of wash basket 120 can be agitated (e.g., with ribs 128) for an agitation phase of laundry items in wash basket 120. During the agitation phase, the basket 120 may be motivated about the axis of rotation A at a set speed (e.g., a tumble speed). As the basket 120 is rotated, articles within the basket 120 may be lifted and permitted to drop therein.

After the agitation phase of the washing operation is completed, wash tub 124 can be drained. Laundry articles can then be rinsed (e.g., through a rinse cycle) by again adding fluid to wash tub 124, depending on the particulars of the cleaning cycle selected by a user. Ribs 128 may again provide agitation within wash basket 120. One or more spin cycles may also be used. In particular, a spin cycle may be applied after the wash cycle or after the rinse cycle in order to wring wash fluid from the articles being washed. During a spin cycle, basket 120 is rotated at relatively high speeds. For instance, basket 120 may be rotated at one set speed (e.g., a pre-plaster speed) before being rotated at another set speed (e.g., a plaster speed). As would be understood, the pre-plaster speed may be greater than the tumble speed and the plaster speed may be greater than the pre-plaster speed. Moreover, agitation or tumbling of articles may be reduced as basket 120 increases its rotational velocity such that the plaster speed maintains the articles at a generally fixed position relative to basket 120.

After articles disposed in wash basket 120 are cleaned (or the washing operation otherwise ends), a user can remove the articles from wash basket 120 (e.g., by opening door 134 and reaching into wash basket 120 through opening 132).

After completion of the wash cycle, as described above, moisture can become trapped within the washing machine appliance 100, e.g., in wash tub 124 and/or gasket 138. This may promote growth and/or spread of odors, mold, and/or mildew on the components of washing machine appliance 100 and on the laundry articles within wash basket 120. Accordingly, in accordance with exemplary aspects of the present disclosure, after or between such wash cycles, washing machine appliance 100 may be operated in a ventilation cycle to remove moisture from within the washing machine appliance 100, such as during an overnight ventilation cycle. Exemplary systems and methods for performing such a cycle are described below.

It should be appreciated that the present subject matter is not limited to any particular style, model, or configuration of washing machine appliance. The exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 is simply provided for illustrative purposes only. While described in the context of a specific embodiment of horizontal axis washing machine appliance 100, it will be understood that horizontal axis washing machine appliance 100 is provided by way of example only. Other washing machine appliances having different configurations, different appearances, and/or different features may also be utilized with the present subject matter as well. For example, different locations may be provided for the user interface, different configurations may be provided, e.g., vertical axis washing machines, and other differences may be applied as well.

FIG. 3 provides an enlarged view of a vent 200 which may be included in the washing machine appliance 100, e.g., the vent 200 may be coupled to the wash tub 124 as illustrated in FIG. 3 . As noted in FIG. 3 , the wash basket 120 may rotate within the wash tub 124 along a direction of rotation 10, e.g., about the axis A as noted in FIG. 2 and described above. In some embodiments, the vent 200 may be joined to the wash tub 124 such that the vent 200 intersects the wash tub 124 at two locations or two intersections when viewed in a single plane, such as the plane along which the section in the view of FIG. 3 is taken, e.g., a plane which is generally through a center or middle of the vent 200 and parallel to or containing the direction of rotation 10. The two intersections at which the vent 200 joins the wash tub 124 may include, sequentially along the direction of rotation 10, a first intersection 212 and a second intersection 226 after the first intersection 212 along the direction of rotation 10. As illustrated in FIG. 3 , the wash basket 120 may also function as a fan or blower, e.g., the wash basket 120 may urge or motivate air 1000 from the wash tub 124 into the vent 200 as the wash basket 120 rotates along the direction of rotation 10. Thus, when the wash basket 120 acts as a blower, a cutoff 204 may be defined at the second intersection 226. The cutoff 204 may be defined at approximately a midpoint of a circular arcuate joint or transition between the wash tub 124 and the vent 200. For example, the radius of such circular arc transition may be small when the cutoff 204 is defined thereon. The air 1000 may travel from the wash tub 124 into the vent 200 at an inlet 208 of the vent 200. The inlet 208 may define an arcuate extent, e.g., along arc 214 as illustrated in FIG. 3 . The arc length of the inlet 208 may be defined by and between the first intersection 212 and the cutoff 204. The vent 200 may extend from the inlet 208 along a longitudinal direction to a bend or to a vent outlet, such as vent outlet 202 illustrated in FIG. 4 . The vent 200 may thereby define a longitudinal axis 220, as illustrated in FIG. 3 . In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis 220 of the vent 200 may be tangential to the direction of rotation 10 of the wash basket 120.

In some embodiments, e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 3 , the cutoff 204 may be defined on a separate piece which is attached, e.g., welded, adhered, etc., to the wash tub 124 at the second intersection 226 with the vent 200. In other embodiments, the cutoff 204 may be defined on an integral part of the wash tub 124 that is unitary with the wash tub 124, e.g., that is integrally joined to the wash tub 124 and/or integrally formed with the wash tub 124.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 4 , the washing machine appliance 100 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is depicted schematically in a top down view with a top portion of the cabinet 102 removed to show internal components of the washing machine appliance 100, e.g., the tub 124 and the vent 200 are visible in FIG. 4 with the top of the cabinet 102 removed. As illustrated in FIG. 4 , in some embodiments, the vent 200 may extend along the longitudinal direction from the vent inlet 208 to an elbow 222, e.g., a ninety-degree joint or fitting. The vent 200 may further extend from the elbow 222 to an outlet 202 in an external surface of the cabinet 102. For example, the outlet 202 may be defined in an external surface of the cabinet 102 at the rear side 114 of the cabinet 102.

In additional embodiments, e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 5 , the vent 200 may extend along the longitudinal axis from the vent inlet 208 to an angle fitting 224. In some exemplary embodiments, the angle fitting 224 may define an obtuse angle. As mentioned above, the vent inlet 208 may define an arc between the first intersection 212 and the cutoff 204. In some embodiments, the inlet 208 may thereby subtend an angle Θ about a center 216 of the wash tub 124. The angle Θ may thus be defined, at least in part, by the cutoff 204 at the second intersection 226 of the vent 200 and the wash tub 124. For example, the angle Θ may be smaller due to the inclusion of the cutoff 204.

As illustrated in FIG. 5 , in some embodiments, the vent 200 may extend to a return 210 coupled to the wash tub 124. Thus, in such embodiments, the vent 200 may comprise a closed-loop ventilation system, e.g., in contrast to FIG. 4 , where the ventilation system extends to and is in direct fluid communication with the exterior of the washing machine appliance 100 and is therefore an open-loop ventilation system. In some embodiments, e.g., when the vent 200 is a part of a closed-loop ventilation system such as in the example illustrated in FIG. 5 , a heat source may also be provided, e.g., in order to promote drying of the washing machine appliance 100, such as the wash tub 124, gasket 138, and/or other internal components thereof. For example, the washing machine appliance 100 may include a heating element 206, such as an electrical resistance heating element, in fluid communication with the vent 200 and upstream of the wash tub 124. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5 , the heating element 206 is upstream of the wash tub 124 in that the air 1000 that passes over and around the heating element 206 flows to the wash tub 124 (via the return 210) thereafter. In particular embodiments, such as the example illustrated in FIG. 5 , the heating element 206 may be positioned between the vent inlet 208 and the return 210, e.g., along the flow path of the air 1000. For example, the heating element 206 may be downstream of the vent inlet 208, whereby the heating element 206 receives relatively damp (humid) air from the vent inlet 208, and the heating element 206 may be upstream of the return 210, whereby the heating element 206 provides relatively warm and/or dry air 1000 to the wash tub 124 via the return 210.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A washing machine appliance defining a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction that are mutually perpendicular to one another, the washing machine appliance comprising: a cabinet; a wash tub positioned within the cabinet; a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub, the wash basket rotatable within the wash tub along a direction of rotation; a vent extending through the wash tub from a vent inlet along a longitudinal axis; and a cutoff defined at an intersection of the vent and the wash tub.
 2. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal axis of the vent is tangential to the direction of rotation of the wash basket.
 3. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the vent joins the wash tub at a first intersection along the direction of rotation of the wash basket and a second intersection after the first intersection along the direction of rotation, and wherein the intersection of the vent and the wash tub at which the cutoff is defined is the second intersection.
 4. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the vent extends along the longitudinal axis from the vent inlet to an elbow.
 5. The washing machine appliance of claim 4, wherein the vent extends from the elbow to an outlet in an external surface of the cabinet.
 6. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the vent extends along the longitudinal axis from the vent inlet to an angle fitting, the angle fitting defining an obtuse angle.
 7. The washing machine appliance of claim 6, wherein the vent extends from the angle fitting to a return coupled to the wash tub.
 8. The washing machine appliance of claim 7, further comprising a heating element between the vent inlet and the return.
 9. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the direction of rotation extends around the transverse direction.
 10. A washing machine appliance, comprising: a cabinet; a wash tub positioned within the cabinet; a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub, the wash basket rotatable within the wash tub along a direction of rotation; a vent extending through the wash tub from a vent inlet along a longitudinal axis; and a cutoff defined at an intersection of the vent and the wash tub.
 11. The washing machine appliance of claim 10, wherein the longitudinal axis of the vent is tangential to the direction of rotation of the wash basket.
 12. The washing machine appliance of claim 10, wherein the vent joins the wash tub at a first intersection along the direction of rotation of the wash basket and a second intersection after the first intersection along the direction of rotation, and wherein the intersection of the vent and the wash tub at which the cutoff is defined is the second intersection.
 13. The washing machine appliance of claim 10, wherein the vent extends along the longitudinal axis from the vent inlet to an elbow.
 14. The washing machine appliance of claim 13, wherein the vent extends from the elbow to an outlet in an external surface of the cabinet.
 15. The washing machine appliance of claim 10, wherein the vent extends along the longitudinal axis from the vent inlet to an angle fitting, the angle fitting defining an obtuse angle.
 16. The washing machine appliance of claim 15, wherein the vent extends from the angle fitting to a return coupled to the wash tub.
 17. The washing machine appliance of claim 16, further comprising a heating element between the vent inlet and the return.
 18. The washing machine appliance of claim 10, wherein the direction of rotation extends around a horizontal direction. 